Entitled 'Better Mapping', these one day seminars, featuring a number of expert presenters, introduce a range of topics and easy methods that will demonstrate how good cartographic practice can greatly improve the quality, accuracy and effectiveness of your digital and hard copy maps.

The use of geographic information, digital mapping software and GIS is ever increasing. Never before has the importance of understanding the fundamentals of good map design been more important. A poorly designed map can at least diminish effective communication of information to users and at worst mislead, perhaps seriously.

“Without good design and careful consideration of the fundamental elements of cartography, maps simply are not worth the paper on which they are printed,” said Mary Spence, who was awarded an MBE for her contribution to map design and map-making, and is Past-President of the British Cartographic Society.
“As a nation we have a rich history of map making that has a deserved worldwide reputation for quality, it is therefore essential that modern GI professionals have the knowledge and skills to continue to produce great maps.”

The Association for Geographic Information (AGI) and The British Cartographic Society (BCS) hold joint events around the UK, and believe these Better Mapping events are of tremendous interest to all individuals involved in creating and outputting maps.

Delegates will each receive a copy of Cartography: an introduction, the booklet published by The BCS that explains the fundamentals of good cartographic design.
Delegates attending Better Mapping are eligible to receive Continuing Professional Development points that can be used towards achieving and maintaining the Chartered Geographer status. For further information visit the AGI website.

OCTOBER 2009 [PDF] The Society Magazine, Maplines, published a report after the four-date UK tour of Bristol, Glasgow, Birmingham and London. The AGI also filmed some of the Glasgow event which can be viewed here via YouTube courtesy of Alan Wilks. YouTube Video of Glasgow Event

JULY 2008 [PDF] The Society Magazine, Maplines, published a report after the 2008 UK tour which visted Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds and London.

AUGUST 2006 [PDF] The Society Magazine, Maplines, published a report after the first seminars held in the UK which visted London, Cardiff, Liverpool and Edinburgh